The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 14 new confirmed cases of Lassa fever, bringing the country’s cumulative infections to 1,035.
The latest cases were recorded between August 10 and August 16, 2026, in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo and Benue states, according to the NCDC’s latest situation report released in Abuja on Tuesday.
The agency also reported that the cumulative death toll had risen to 252, while the case fatality rate increased to 24.4 per cent, compared with 18.6 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.
The NCDC said the 14 new infections represented a rise from the four cases recorded in epidemiological week 32, when confirmed cases were reported in Ondo and Edo states.
“In week 32, cumulative infections reached 1,021, with 240 deaths and a case fatality rate of 23.5 per cent,” the agency stated.
The latest figures followed a decline from the 17 confirmed cases recorded in epidemiological week 31, highlighting fluctuations in weekly transmission of the disease.
By week 33, the NCDC said 23 states had reported at least one confirmed Lassa fever case across 117 local government areas.
Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo remained the most affected states, accounting for 87 per cent of all confirmed cases recorded cumulatively by week 33.
The five states also accounted for 86 per cent of confirmed cases recorded during week 32, maintaining their position as the areas with the highest burden of the disease.
The NCDC further disclosed that people aged 21 to 30 years remained the most affected age group during both reporting weeks.
Meanwhile, no new Lassa fever infection was recorded among healthcare workers during week 33. The agency also reported that no healthcare worker was newly infected in week 32.
The NCDC said it would continue surveillance and response activities across affected states, stressing that Lassa fever remained a significant public health concern in the country.
